Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Macaroni Au Gratin, a comforting baked pasta dish loaded with cheesy flavors and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or more cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne. Add cheeses and stir until smooth.
- Combine and bake: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish. Top with buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a richer version, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
- You can broil the top for 1–2 minutes for a crispier crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
